Exploring 12 mint varieties and their uses

Many people are familiar with the common spearmint and peppermint, but the world of mint is incredibly diverse. Did you know there are over 7,000 species, each with their own unique characteristics? Some are natural, while others are hybrids that have been bred for specific tastes. In this blog, we explore 12 popular mint varieties and ways to include them in your culinary adventures!

1. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint is perhaps the most widely used type of mint, known for its sweet, mild flavour and more pointed shape, along with pinkish, light purple flowers. It’s also easy to grow in gardens or pots, making it a favourite amongst home gardeners.

Uses:

  • Fresh mint tea
  • Mojitos and other cocktails
  • Salads and dressings

2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, with a stronger, more intense flavour. It contains higher levels of menthol, which gives it a cooling sensation. It also has darker green leaves with purple stems and purple flowers.

Uses:

  • Peppermint tea
  • Baked goods like brownies and cookies
  • Ice cubes for summer fruit drinks

3. Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Chocolate’)

As the name suggests, chocolate mint has a delightful chocolatey aroma that perfectly pairs with its minty flavour. This variety has an appearance similar to peppermint, but with slightly shiny leaves and lavender blue flowers.

Uses:

  • Chocolate desserts
  • Ice creams
  • Garnishing and decoration

4. Banana Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Banana’)

Banana mint is a unique variety that offers a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of ripe bananas. Its flavour is milder than that of other mints. Visually, it has small, bright green leaves and produces lilac flowers.

Uses:

  • Fruit salads
  • Smoothies
  • Infused syrups

5. Lime Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Lime’)

Lime mint is a refreshing variety that combines the coolness of mint with a zesty lime aroma. This mint has a slightly more compact growth habit, with smaller leaves and pale purple flowers.

Uses:

  • mFresh lemonades
  • Garnish for sea bass
  • Sorbets

6. Orange Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Orange’)

Orange mint offers a strong, delightful citrusy aroma that pairs well with its minty flavour. It also has dark green, oval-shaped leaves and mauve flowers.

Uses:

  • Cocktails and mocktails
  • Fresh salads
  • Desserts like tarts

7. Strawberry Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Strawberry’)

Strawberry mint is a charming variety that features a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of strawberries. This mint is very compact, with vivid green leaves and pale pink flowers.

Uses:

  • Infused waters and syrups
  • Fruit salads
  • Desserts like strawberry shortcake

8. Ginger Mint (Mentha × gracilis)

Ginger mint is a fragrant variety that combines the refreshing taste of mint with a hint of ginger. It can often be distinguished by its striped, variegated leaves, somewhat reddish stems, and violet flowers.

Uses:

  • Herbal teas
  • Mint sauce
  • Butter spreads

9. Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa)

This classic variety is known for its strong aroma and sweet taste. It is easily recognisable, thanks to its bright green, crinkled leaves, as well as its beautiful white and pale purple flowers.

Uses:

  • Traditional Moroccan tea
  • Tabbouleh
  • Ice creams

10. Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)

Pineapple mint is a unique variety with a sweet and tangy twist. Its soft, round, and light green leaves are often edged in white, and it grows cream coloured flowers.

Uses:

  • Fruit teas
  • Smoothies and drinks
  • Garnish for yoghurt

11. Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Apple’)

Apple mint offers a delightful blend of the classic mint flavour and a subtle apple-like sweetness. It has soft, rounded leaves that are typically pale green with a silvery sheen, as well as pinkish, white flowers.

Uses:

  • Floral teas
  • Jellies and jams
  • Garnish for apple crumble

12. Berries & Cream Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Berry’)

Berries and cream mint is a wonderfully unique variety that combines the familiar cool mint taste with a sweet berry essence. The leaves are a dark, glossy green with a purple tint, and the flowers are a creamy purple shade.

Uses:

  • Sweet iced beverages
  • Fruit-based desserts
  • Ice cream or yoghurt topping

Keep the conversation going!

Which mint interests you the most? Have a favourite variety that’s not on our list? Share your thoughts with us on our social media!